Scotland follows England's lead as it ENDS puberty blocker treatment for children

However, the treatment is available when the patient turns 18.

The decision comes after Dr Hilary Cass' landmark review of gender services for under-18s in England and Wales.

Dr Cass said children had been let down by a lack of research.

NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde confirmed it "paused" the prescription of puberty blockers for young people seeking gender-affirming care after Dr Cass' review.

Dr Emilia Crighton, director of public health at the board, said: “The findings informing the Cass Review are important and we have reviewed the impact on our clinical pathways.

“The next step from here is to work with the Scottish Government and academic partners to generate evidence that enables us to deliver safe care for our patients.

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“We echo the views of Dr Hilary Cass that toxicity around public debate is impacting the lives of young people seeking the care of our service and does not serve the teams working hard to care and support them.

“We understand the distress that gender incongruence can cause and, while all referrals to endocrinology are paused, we will continue to give anyone who is referred into the young people gender service the psychological support that they require while we review the pathways in line with the findings.”

Puberty blockers suppress the release of hormones which cause puberty.

They help prevent physical changes such as breast development or facial hair growth.

Humza Yousaf's SNP Government previously said it had closely monitored Dr Cass's review and had met her on a number of occasions to share information about improvement work in Scotland.

The UK Government came out firing after Dr Cass completed the report into NHS support.

Health Secretary Victoria Atkins announced medics who try to break rules banning prescribing puberty blockers could be struck off.

She said: "I am looking closely at closing, what can be done to curtail any loopholes and prescribing practices, including legislative options. Nothing is off the table and I will update the House in due course."